Michael Phelps – Miracles Happen – From Addiction to Gold Medals

The Recovery of Michael Phelps from 2 DUI charges to “Greatest Olympian of All Time” was a long journey that began with his first DUI charge in 2004. The miracle began Less than 2 years before his historic run at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

Michael’s recovery is the real story. According to NBC, in September 2014 Michael entered rehab (The Meadows). Then received a conviction for his second drunk driving incident. He had to complete a USA Swimming suspension that eliminated him from all competitions for six months.

Michael Phelps DUI and Recovery on Twitter

Mr. Phelps was direct and to the point in the second DUI arrest and announced his efforts to recover live on his Twitter Account.

He completed 45 days in an undisclosed rehab. While in treatment Michael Phelps reunited with his father. Michael’s family split when he was 9 years-old. He had “lost touch” with his Dad as his swimming career exploded. Sports Illustrated reported that Phelps invited his father Fred to visit him at the rehab treatment center in 2014.

Michael Phelps – The First DUI

According to Swimming World, “Michael Phelps, 19, can breathe a little easier tonight after he was sentenced to 18 months’ probation after pleading guilty to driving while impaired in a Salisbury, Maryland, court this afternoon.” The swimming media reported, “The offense carries a maximum penalty of one year in jail plus a $1,000 fine.”

Before this first case Michael Phelps had a spotless record. “Judge Lloyd O. Whitehead granted Phelps probation before judgment, which will allow the 19 year-old to have his record expunged if he abides by the terms of his probation. ” Many states, including Florida, do not allow this type of sentence.

http://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/flash-phelps-sentenced-to-probation/

Michael Phelps – The Second DUI

The Second DUI occurred in 2014 less than 2 years before his historic run at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. Again Swimming World reported, “the state of Maryland would only view today’s DUI as a second offense if it took place less than five years after the first incident. Phelps’ first DUI took place almost 10 years ago, in November 2004, and he was sentenced to 18 months probation and community service.”

The breath test was a .14 percent. He was stopped for speeding away from a Baltimore Casino. The Judge sentenced Michael Phelps to 18 months Probation.

“The maximum penalty for first-time DUI offenders in Maryland is up to one year in jail and up to $1,000 in fines. Phelps could also have his license suspended for a minimum of six months. Phelps will also face penalties and fines for excessive speeding, and the punishment for that varies greatly.”

https://www.swimmingworldmagazine.com/news/michael-phelps-dui-will-be-viewed-as-first-offense-by-maryland-courts/

Footnote: Michael Phelps and the Bong

After Michael’s initial Olympic appearance, a 2009 photo showed Phelps with a bong. Phelps called it  “a big mistake.” “It was an awful judgment. And, really, the people I hurt is my family, clearly, my friends, the close people around me and most importantly, the fans,” Phelps told NBC News’ Matt Lauer. Phelps lost a huge sponsorship from Kelloggs and got a 3 month ban from swimming.

Michael Phelps DUI Video

Michael Phelps DUI Video Clips.

Other Sources:

NBCNews
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Phelps#Legal_issues